Earlier this week, a jury found Meta and Google liable in a case involving a woman who claimed she developed a social media addiction as a child. The court concluded that Google, which owns YouTube, and Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, had designed their platforms in ways that encouraged prolonged use among younger audiences.
Both companies have rejected the ruling and confirmed they intend to appeal.
Harry and Meghan Welcome the Verdict
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have previously supported those pursuing legal action, described the outcome as a significant moment.
In a strongly worded statement, they said:
“This verdict is a reckoning. For too long, families have paid the price for platforms built with total disregard for the children they reach.
“We stand with every parent and young person who refused to be silenced. Today, the truth has been heard and precedent has been set.”
They continued:
“Let this be the change – where our children’s safety is finally prioritised above profit.”
The couple have spent years raising concerns about social media, particularly its impact on young people’s mental health, and have consistently supported families who have shared their experiences publicly.
Prince Harry’s Emotional Words to Families
Just weeks before the verdict, Prince Harry met with families involved in the case and spoke candidly about their fight. He described it as a “David versus Goliath” battle, acknowledging how difficult it is to take on powerful corporations.
“Today, the truth has been heard and precedent has been set,” he said.
He went on to reflect on the emotional strain of such legal battles:
“I’ve been in some similar situations myself – vastly different – but when you’re sitting in court and if you have that feeling of just overwhelming emotion, because you can’t believe that the people on the other side are saying what they’re saying – that by the very nature of defending what they’re defending, the lies that they are stating, is devaluing life, is devaluing your children’s lives – if that brings stuff up for you, it is totally normal. Do not feel ashamed.”
Holding back emotion, he added:
“None of you should be here. Thank you for doing everything that you’ve done. Thank you for telling your stories over and over again.”